Located in Dubai Marina, one of the most sought-after districts in the emirate, Select Groups Marina Gate project is no less than a spectacle. With a gross development value of AED3.67bn, the three-tower development will feature podium-level villas, 1,500 apartments, extensive health and fitness facilities, and approximately 14,000sqm of retail space. Prominently positioned, Marina Gate residents will benefit from excellent transportation network links, being
within walking distance to the tram, metro, and water taxis.
The first tower at Marina Gate (MGI) will comprise 399 residential units, with studios starting from 50sqm to penthouses of 501sqm. Construction for MGI began in 2014 and being built on an area of 10ha, it is already nearing completion. The second tower (MGII), being built on an area of 12ha, will comprise one-bedroom starting from 58sqm to full-floor penthouses of 1,096sqm. The third and the last tower in the luxury development, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, spread across an area of 12ha, is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Ian Stapely, senior project manager, Select Group, says: The first tower is nearing completion and handover is planned for the end of the year. The second tower is due for completion towards the fourth quarter of 2018. For such a landmark development, the developer believed in putting the construction reigns in the hands of one of the trusted and well-known contractor in the country. The UAE-based construction giant, ALEC, was appointed as the main contractor for MGI and MGII. ALEC Fitout and ALEMCO both subsidiaries of ALEC were awarded the respective contracts for fit-out and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works.
In August 2017, ALEC was also chosen for the contract of the construction of the third tower as well. The project is being jointly executed with ALEC subsidiaries, ALEMCO and Alec Fitout. Under the terms of the contract, ALEC is currently responsible for the construction of the tower, as well as 15 villas and ground floor retail units. The towers specifications include two basement levels, ground and mezzanine levels, an eight-level podium, 48 upper floors, and a roof level, accommodating 493 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Stapely comments: Our relationship with ALEC has been very good. We appointed Aedas, a renowned international architect, to carry out the initial designs of the project with ALEC, then being appointed to carry out the works on a design and build basis with the support of local and international consultants. It remains the responsibility of the contractor to build the project to the best quality possible as per requirements of the client. We have an excellent team in place across all companies involved who work together as one team to ensure the project is delivered to the highest possible standards.
Project management is being carried out by our in-house teams including project managers, cost consultants, interior designers, and architects. We appoint the main contractor, who in turn, employs consultants and engineers of record in line with local authority requirements.
He also points out that there are around 1,600 workers currently working on the first tower. We have approximately 1,600 workers on the first tower, 500 workers on the second tower, and 200 workers present on the third site. This is peak time for us with sites running at maximum efficiency.
Every project poses its own set of challenges, as Stapely mentions. All projects pose challenges. In our industry, there are three kinds of challenges time, quality, and cost. We have to balance everything by juggling these three areas. We have to make sure we finish on time with a good quality product and within a fixed budget.
For the Marina Gate project, we will finish on time, on budget, and to a very high standard. As far as the first tower is concerned, it is in finishing stages and handover is planned for year-end.
Stapely also adds that as often as possible, the developer tries to procure raw materials from local industries in order to support the local economy. However, in addition to this, we source from around the world in order to achieve the highest standards possible, for example, marble and tiles from Italy. Everything has to be built according to the green buildings codes and this is an important part of our green building permit process.
The developer has received an overwhelming response for the project, with the majority of the property already been sold out. Stapely concludes: Marking the entrance to the Dubai Marina community, our project is almost sold out. Once completed, Marina Gate will redefine the standard of quality in Dubai Marina.
A luxury twist
Jumeirah Group, the global hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, signed an agreement with Select Group to manage 508 properties within Marina Gate. The group will bring its luxury hospitality experience to the third and final tower within the Marina Gate development under its Jumeirah Living brand. The design-led luxurious living destination will include 104 serviced apartments, 389 branded residences, and 15 villas, and will offer an exclusive range of facilities and amenities including a temperature controlled infinity pool, a dual-level gymnasium, a residents lounge, and business centre.
In a company statement, Gerald Lawless, president and group CEO, Jumeirah Group, said: We are delighted to bring our Jumeirah Living hospitality to the Marina Gate community. The Jumeirah name is synonymous with quality and service excellence, and Jumeirah Living delivers that promise in the branded residences market. Marina Gate will appeal to residents looking for a truly distinctive lifestyle and is a fantastic addition to our global hospitality portfolio.
Rahail Aslam, CEO, Select Group, said: Jumeirah Living perfectly complements our Marina Gate development by providing residents with an unmatched opportunity for a curated lifestyle within Dubai Marina. With its unparalleled combination of location, luxury, and lifestyle, this development is set to become a landmark in the vibrant Marina community.
The Jumeirah Group currently operates 23 properties worldwide, including the Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living in London and Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence in Dubai.